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The University of Minnesota Duluth operates a trademark licensing program.

Outside Manufacturers and Vendors

All manufacturers of products wishing to reproduce the trademarks of the University of Minnesota Duluth must enter into a nonexclusive trademark license agreement with the university.

All products that are imprinted with a UMD trademark require licensing, including internal use by academic and administrative departments, student organizations, and other internal units. These trademarks include the name of the university, the intercollegiate athletics logos and wordmarks, including "UMD Bulldogs," and all other identifying marks of the university.

The university requires a seven percent royalty on net sales of all imprinted merchandise as well as a $100 application fee. Agreements are renewed annually and royalty reports are due on a quarterly basis. Also, all licensees are required to carry insurance as prescribed by Board of Regents.

To apply for a trademark license agreement, download and print the Trademark Licensing Contact Document and fax or mail it to the Trademark Licensing office. Feel free to call us with any questions you may have regarding the application process.

Student Organization and On-campus Use

Suppose your student organization wants to have a T-shirt imprinted with the name of your group and any name or graphic that affiliates your group with UMD, but you are not exactly sure how to do this in accordance with University policies and procedures. What should you do?

Contact the Trademark Licensing office for a list of manufacturers and to get design approval. The University controls the use of its trademarks, and control is maintained by allowing only licensed manufacturers to reproduce University-owned marks, logos and indicia. There are more than 100 licensed UMD manufacturers, with several located in the Duluth/Superior area.

The manufacturer can produce or develop a design, or the UMD Trademark Licensing office has official UMD art available for your use.

All student groups, departments and programs (except the Athletic Department because they acquire uniforms and gear for athletic teams) pay the royalty. The royalty is 7% of the wholesale cost of the item (about $.70 on a $10 t-shirt).

If you have any questions about the process, contact the UMD Trademark Licensing program.

What is a UMD trademark?

A trademark or service mark is a name, design, seal, insignia, or other symbol that an entity uses to identify and distinguish itself and its goods and services from those of another entity, or to indicate to the public its authorization, sponsorship, or affiliation with the provider of goods or services. Any words, letters or graphic images that are affiliated with the University of Minnesota Duluth fall in the trademark category. In principle, logos and protected marks cannot be modified, changed or altered. Modification can be made only with permission of UMD Trademark Licensing.

Prohibited Use

Implying endorsement, approval or underwriting of any organization, product, activity, service or contract by the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Alcohol, tobacco or illegal substance graphics or descriptions, sexual connotations, or unauthorized use of other trademarks is prohibited in conjunction with UMD word marks or trademarks.

Scholarship Funds

Royalties derived from the commercial use of UMD's registered marks directly benefit the students at UMD through the Chancellor's Scholarship fund and Athletic Department Scholarships.

About UMD Trademark Licensing

As empowered by the Board of Regents, UMD Trademark and Licensing Services serves the University by managing the commercial use of its name and identifying symbols, providing academic support funding, and promotion of the University's name and goodwill.